liturgical chasuble, unknown maker from France

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The chasuble is a liturgical outer garment worn over other church vestments. Originally, it was a circular mantle with a hole for the head, but later was shaped to leave the hands free. By the 18th century, narrow forms such as this fiddle-back chasuble became popular. This chasuble is made of silk ornamented with embroidery.

Symbolically, the garment alludes to the purple robe that Pilate ordered Christ to wear as "King of the Jews," and, because it covers the other vestments, it signifies the first virtue, Christian charity and protection. The stole symbolizes the spiritual powers and dignity of the priest who normally wears it under the chasuble; here it is draped over the garment so that its form and decoration are visible. When the priest wears all the vestments, only the ends of the stole appear, and so the ends are richly ornamented with embroidery and fringe.

The liturgical season determines the color of the fabric. White, symbolizing the joy and purity of the soul, is used for days dedicated to Christ, the Holy Trinity, Mary, the Angels, Confessors, and Virgins. It is worn from Christmas to Epiphany and at Easter. The color green, with which these vestments are lined, symbolizes hope.

A full set of vestments and altar hangings is known as "chapel." The Museum has no complete chapel; however, the chalice veil from this set survives and has been placed on the end wall of this case. This square of embroidered fabric would have been draped over the chalice and the paten on which the communion host is served, and placed on the altar.